Communications system providing text-to-speech message conversion features using audio filter parameters and related methods

ABSTRACT

A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a wireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. More particularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver and a controller cooperating therewith for receiving text messages. The controller may be switchable between a normal message mode and an audio message mode. Also, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may further include a user interface device connected to the controller for receiving at least one audio mode filter parameter from a user, and an audio output connected to the controller. The controller, when in the audio message mode, may select received text messages based upon the at least one audio mode filter parameter, and output audio messages including speech generated from the selected text messages via the audio output.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of communications systems,and, more particularly, to wireless communications networks and relatedmethods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cellular telephone systems continue to grow in popularity and havebecome an integral part of both personal and business communications.Cellular phones allow users to place and receive telephone calls mostanywhere they travel. Moreover, as cellular telephone technology hasincreased, so too has the functionality of cellular devices. Forexample, many cellular devices now incorporate personal digitalassistant (PDA) features such as calendars, address books, task lists,etc. Moreover, such multi-function devices may also allow users towirelessly access electronic mail (email) messages and the Internet viaa cellular network.

Of course, cellular telephone usage can be problematic in somesituations. In particular, many accidents have occurred because ofdrivers who become distracted while using their cellular phones. As aresult, many drivers use hands-free headsets while driving, which allowsthe driver to maintain a normal driving posture and both hands on thewheel. Such headsets also allow users to more readily use their phonesto place or receive calls while engaging in outdoor activities, such asjogging or bicycle riding, for example.

While headsets work well for telephone calls, they are typically of novalue when it comes to accessing email messages on multi-functioncellular telephone devices. That is, if a user needs to monitor hisemail messages while driving or jogging, for example, he still has tolook at the display screen of his device to read email message text.

Various approaches have been developed for allowing users to more easilyaccess email messages during such situations. For example, Copytalk, LLCprovides a service called Listen and Reply, which uses a text-to-speechconverter to convert emails to an audio format so that users can receivetheir email via telephone, much like a voice mail. Moreover, users maydictate replies over their phones, which are then converted to textemail messages and sent to desired recipients. Audio notifications canbe filtered by time or sender, and also can be turned on and off fromthe subscriber's phone.

Despite the advantages of such systems, users may desire greaterfunctionality in some circumstances. Users with multi-function devicesthat receive text email messages may find it cumbersome to call aservice provider whenever they wish to turn audio message delivery on oroff. Moreover, users may wish to change their filter parameters fairlyregularly or while they are away from their office.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a communications network that providesenhanced text-to-speech conversion and delivery features for text (i.e.,email) messages and related methods.

This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a communications system which mayinclude at least one mobile wireless communications device, and awireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. Moreparticularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device mayinclude a wireless transceiver and a controller cooperating therewithfor receiving text messages. The controller may be switchable between anormal message mode and an audio message mode. Also, the at least onemobile wireless communications device may further include a userinterface device connected to the controller for receiving at least oneaudio mode filter parameter from a user, and an audio output connectedto the controller. The controller, when in the audio message mode, mayselect received text messages based upon the at least one audio modefilter parameter, and output audio messages including speech generatedfrom the selected text messages via the audio output.

Accordingly, rather than having to change filter parameters beforeleaving the office, a user may conveniently set and change suchparameters via the user input device. Thus, the system is particularlyadvantageous for users who need to change filter parameters whiletraveling, for example.

By way of example, the audio output may be a headset output. As such,the controller may switch between the normal message mode and the audiomessage mode based upon a connection between the headset output and aheadset. That is, the controller may automatically recognize when aheadset is connected (such as when the user is about to operate avehicle or begin jogging) and advantageously enter the audio messagemode, providing added convenience for the user. To provide additionaluser convenience, the headset output may be a wireless headset output(e.g., a Bluetooth enabled output) for establishing a wirelessconnection with the headset, although it may be a headset jack for awired headset as well.

Additionally, the controller may switch between the normal message modeand the audio message mode based upon an audio message mode commandprovided by a user via the user interface device. Thus, for example, theaudio message mode command may be provided by a user to place thecontroller in the audio message mode, whether or not the headset isconnected to the headset connector. This feature may be advantageouswhen a user is not carrying a headset, but still wishes to have textmessages converted to speech.

To this end, the mobile wireless communications device may furtherinclude a text-to-speech module for cooperating with the controller toconvert the selected text messages to audio messages. Alternately, thecontroller may also be for generating conversion requests for theselected text messages, and cooperating with the wireless transceiver toforward the conversion requests to the wireless communications network.In such case, the wireless communications network may include atext-to-speech module for converting the selected text messages to audiomessages, and the wireless communications network may send the audiomessages to the at least one wireless communications device.

By way of example, the at least one audio message filter parameter maybe a sender identifier. The at least one audio message filter parametermay also be one or more keywords, which may be included in the subjector body fields of a text message, for example. Additionally, the userinterface device may be a keypad connected to the controller, and the atleast one mobile wireless communications device may further include adisplay connected to the controller for displaying the text messages.Further, the wireless transceiver may be a cellular transceiver, and thewireless communications network may be a cellular communicationsnetwork, for example.

A method aspect of the invention is for using a mobile wirelesscommunications device including a user interface device and an audiooutput. The mobile wireless communications device may be switchablebetween a normal message mode and an audio message mode. The method mayinclude receiving text messages from a wireless communications network,and receiving at least one audio mode filter parameter from a user viathe user interface device. Furthermore, when in the audio message mode,the mobile wireless communications device may select received textmessages based upon the at least one audio mode filter parameter, andoutput audio messages including speech generated from the selected textmessages via the audio output.

A mobile wireless communications device, such as the one describedbriefly above, as well as a related computer-readable medium, are alsoprovided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram generally illustrating acommunications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of thecommunications system of FIG. 1 in greater detail.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment ofthe communications system of FIG. 1 in greater detail.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the display screen of the mobile wirelesscommunications device illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating audio messagemode and filter parameter selection features of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow diagrams illustrating communications methodaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary mobile wirelesscommunications device suitable for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used toindicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a communications system 20 inaccordance with the present invention illustratively includes a wirelesscommunications network 21 and one or more mobile wireless communicationsdevices 22 for communicating therewith. In the illustrated example, themobile wireless communications device 22 is a Blackberry device.However, it will be appreciated that numerous other types of wireless(e.g., cellular) devices may be used in accordance with the presentinvention as well. Moreover, while only a single device 22 is shown forclarity of illustration, it will further be appreciated that numerousmobile wireless communications devices may be used.

In particular, the mobile wireless communications device 22illustratively includes a wireless transceiver 23 and associated antenna24, and a controller 25 connected to the wireless transceiver. By way ofexample, the controller 25 may be a microprocessor or other suitablecontrol circuitry with associated memory, as will be discussed furtherwith reference to Example 1, below.

The mobile wireless communications device 22 further illustrativelyincludes a user interface device 39 connected to the controller 25.Among other functions, the user interface device 39 allows a user toenter one or more audio message filter parameters, as will be describedfurther below. In the case of the illustrated Blackberry device, theuser interface device 39 includes a keypad 26 and/or a trackwheel 27. Ofcourse, other user interface devices 39 may be used as well, such astouch screens, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.The mobile wireless communications device 22 also illustrativelyincludes a display 28 and an audio output 29, such as a headset outputfor a headset 30, for example, both of which are connected to thecontroller 25.

In the present example, the wireless communications network 21 is acellular communications network which illustratively includes a server35, such as an electronic mail (email) server for receiving textmessages for the user of the mobile wireless communications device 22.Furthermore, a base station 36, which is illustratively represented as acellular tower, is connected to the server 35 and has an associatedantenna 37 and transceiver (not shown), as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. In the case of a cellular network, the wirelesstransceiver 23 of the mobile wireless communications device willcorrespondingly be a cellular transceiver. Various cellular formats andor protocols may be used in accordance with the present invention, aswill be discussed further below.

The wireless communications network 21 may further include theappropriate switching and control circuitry for routing telephone callsto and from the mobile wireless communications device 22, as will alsobe appreciated by those skilled in the art. However, this circuitry isnot shown for clarity of illustration.

During normal operations, the server 35 receives text messages (e.g.,email messages) for delivery to the mobile wireless communicationsdevice 22 via the Internet, for example, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The server 35 then cooperates with the base station36 to send the text messages to the mobile wireless communicationsdevice 22, as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Thecontroller 25 similarly cooperates with the wireless transceiver 23 toreceive the text messages from the wireless communications network 21.Moreover, the controller 25 may then cause the display 28 to display anindication that new text messages have arrived, and/or display themessages themselves.

If the user is not otherwise preoccupied, he can turn his attention tothe display 28 and use the keypad 26 and/or other input devices (e.g.,trackwheel 27, touch screen, etc.) to scroll through the message,forward the message, prepare a reply thereto, etc. On the other hand, ifthe user is engaged in an activity such as driving, jogging, etc., whereit is inconvenient or impractical to focus attention on the display 28and use the keypad 26, the user may prefer that certain text messages beconverted to speech and played for the user, similar to a voice mailmessage.

In accordance with the present invention, the user may provide one ormore audio message filter parameters for filtering the text messages viathe user interface device (i.e., the keypad 26 and/or trackwheel 27).That is, the filter parameters are used by the controller 25 for“filtering” out the text messages that are to be converted to audio(i.e., speech) messages. By using the user interface device 39, the usermay quickly and easily set and change the audio message filterparameters, and may advantageously do so while away from his home oroffice computer.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, various audio message filter parameters may beused. For example, one such parameter may be the name (e.g., “JohnSmith” or “David Jones”) or other identifier (e.g., an email address orportions thereof) of the message sender. Another example would be one ormore keywords (e.g., “urgent” or “important”) in the subject or body ofthe message. Various other filter parameters may be used as well, suchas recipient information in a “cc” field, time/date, a message prioritysetting, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Of course, while the user could provide no filter parameters and thusallow all text messages to be converted to speech, this will typicallybe undesirable. This is because a user will most likely not want to have“junk” email messages read to them, especially when they are driving orjogging, for example. Indeed, users will likely only want to receiveimportant (e.g., from their boss, a client, etc.) or otherwise urgentmessages while driving, exercising, etc., and leave more routinemessages for a later time.

Another reason filter parameters are likely to be used relates to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 (discussed further below) where audiomessage conversion is performed by the wireless communications network21′. In such case, a significant amount of airtime minutes could be usedup by transmitting an audio file for each text message a user receives,as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Once the controller 25 receives the audio message filter parameter(s)from the user, the parameter(s) is stored in a memory (see FIG. 7) forlater use when the controller is placed in the audio message mode. Thecontroller 25 may be placed in the audio message mode in various ways.For example, the controller 25 may enter the audio message mode basedupon a connection to the audio output 29, such as if the audio output isa headset output and is connected to a headset 30.

More specifically, the controller 25 may automatically detect thisconnection and enter the audio message mode, as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art. It should be noted that this connection may bea physical connection (i.e., in the case of wired headphones), or awireless connection (i.e., in the case of wireless headphones), as willbe discussed further below. Further, this automatic audio mode may beselectively turned on or off by the user via the user interface device39 as shown in FIG. 4. Because the controller 25 may advantageouslyenter the audio message mode whenever the user connects his headset 30to the output 29, the user does not have to remember to enable the audiomessage mode when leaving his office, or place a call to an audiomessage delivery system to disable or resume the audio message mode.

Additionally, a manual or override setting may also be used to place thecontroller 25 in the audio message mode indefinitely, whether aconnection to the headset 30 is present or not. The override mode may beadvantageous when the user is not carrying the headset 30, but stillwishes to have selected text messages converted to speech and read likea voice message, even if the user has to hold the mobile wirelesscommunications device 22 to his ear. The user may quickly andconveniently turn the override and/or automatic audio modes on and offusing the user interface 26, as seen in FIG. 4.

Various approaches may also be used for converting the selected textmessages to audio messages. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, themobile wireless communications device 22 illustratively includes atext-to-speech module 38 for cooperating with the controller 25 toconvert the selected text messages to the audio messages. By way ofexample, the text-to-speech module 38 may be a software module that isrun by the controller 25 when needed. Various text-to-speech conversionmodules, which are known to those skilled in the art, may be used inaccordance with the present invention.

Turning more specifically to FIG. 3, an alternate approach forperforming text-to-speech conversion is now described. In this exemplaryembodiment, the text-to-speech module resides in the wirelesscommunications network 21′. Thus, instead of converting the textmessages to speech at the mobile wireless communications device 22′, thecontroller 25′ instead generates conversion requests for the selectedtext messages, and cooperates with the wireless transceiver 23′ toforward the conversion requests to the wireless communications network21′.

In the illustrated example, the text-to-speech conversion module 38′ isimplemented on a dedicated text-to-speech conversion server 40′. Thisapproach may advantageously help prevent the workload of the emailserver 35′ from becoming unmanageable, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. However, it will also be appreciated that the emailand speech conversion functions could be consolidated on a singleserver, or spread to more than two severs, depending upon the givenimplementation.

Generally speaking, the text-to-speech server 40′ may include therequisite text-to speech conversion software module 38′, the appropriatetelephony circuitry (not shown) for calling users and playing the audiomessages, and an interface software module for interfacing theconversion software, telephony circuitry, and the email server 35′, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art. That is, once the emailserver 35′ learns that a particular text message is to be converted tospeech, it may instruct the text-to-speech conversion server 40′accordingly and hand the process over thereto, as the text-to-speechconversion server can perform the appropriate telephone connectionoperations to send the speech message to the user without furtherintervention or supervision.

Typically, the server 35′ will host a mailbox for storing a user's text(i.e., email) messages, which are retained for a certain period of time.For purposes of identifying the message stored in the mailbox that is tobe converted to an audio format, the server 35′ may generate a uniqueidentification thereof which is transmitted with the text message to themobile wireless communications device 22′. The controller 25 may theninclude the unique identification in the conversion request for therespective text message. Of course, various identifiers may be used forthis purpose, such as the date and time the message is first received bythe server 35 or sent to the mobile wireless communications device 22,etc.

Once the selected text message has been converted to a speech message inan audio format, such as a .wav file, for example, the server 40′cooperates with the base station 36′ to send the audio message to themobile wireless communications device 22′. The controller 25′ once againcooperates with the wireless transceiver 23′ for receiving the audiomessages, and it outputs the audio messages via the output 29′.

It should be noted that mobile wireless communications devices ofteninclude a subscriber identity modules (SIMs), which store the cellulartelephone number assigned to the user, as well as other information(e.g., personal phone numbers, text messages, information used tosupport other services, etc.). As such, since SIMs may be interchangedbetween different devices, it may be desirable for the controller 25′ toprovide the user's phone number stored in the SIM (if present) whenestablishing communications with the wireless communications network21′. This allows the server 40′ to maintain the correct phone number forthe device at all times.

In the illustrated example, the output 29′ is a wireless headset outputfor communicating with a wireless headset and has an antenna 41′associated therewith. By way of example, such a wireless headset outputmay be a Bluetooth enabled output, for example, although other wirelesscommunication formats may also be used, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. Of course, the output 29 may be a headset jack for awired headset as well.

A first method aspect of the invention for using a mobile wirelesscommunications device 22 including a user interface device 39 and anaudio output 29 is now described with reference to FIG. 5. As notedabove, the mobile wireless communications device 22 (i.e., thecontroller 25) is switchable between a normal message mode and an audiomessage mode. The method begins, at Block 50, with the mobile wirelesscommunications device 22 receiving text messages from a wirelesscommunications network 21, at Block 51, and receiving at least one audiomode filter parameter from a user via the user interface device 39, atBlock 52. Furthermore, when in the audio message mode (Block 53), themobile wireless communications device 22 selects received text messagesbased upon the at least one audio mode filter parameter, at Block 54.Audio messages including speech generated from the selected textmessages are then output via the audio output 29, at Block 55, asdiscussed further above, thus concluding the illustrated method (Block56).

Another method aspect of the invention for using a mobile wirelesscommunications device 22′ including a headset output 29′ is nowdescribed with reference to FIG. 6. The method begins (Block 60) withreceiving text messages from a wireless communications network 21′, atBlock 61. The mobile wireless communications device 22′ switches betweena normal message mode and an audio message mode based upon a connectionbetween the headset output 29′ and a headset 30′, at Block 62 and 63, asdescribed above. As also noted above, when in the audio message mode,the mobile wireless communications device outputs 22′ audio messagesincluding speech generated from the received text messages via theheadset output 29′, at Block 64, thus concluding the illustrated method.

The present invention will be further understood with reference to anexemplary implementation thereof using a Blackberry device, which is setforth in Example 1 below, as well as with reference to an exemplaryBlackberry device, which is described further in Example 2 below.

EXAMPLE 1

An executive is awaiting an email regarding an important issue from theCEO of his company. He sets an audio message filter parameter indicatingthat all emails from the CEO joe@somecompany.com will need to beprovided via audio (i.e., speech). He commutes one hour to workeveryday. Before he starts his commute he sets the device to be in theaudio message mode, or the device automatically switches to this modewhen he connects a headset (e.g., a Bluetooth enabled headset). Thirtyminutes into the commute he receives an email from the CEO. TheBlackberry Enterprise Server checks the device filters and sees thatthis email is subject to audio (i.e., speech) conversion and sends therequest to a text-to-speech server.

This server looks up the phone number for the device, and converts thetext of the email to speech in a .wav file. It then places a call to thedevice and plays the .wav file. The device can be set to have uniquering tones when an incoming call is from the text-to-speech server, forexample. The user can configure the Blackberry to either have the deviceauto answer or use the headset to answer and listen to the email.

EXAMPLE 2

Turning now additionally to FIG. 7, an exemplary hand-held mobilewireless communications device 1000 (i.e., a Blackberry device) that canbe used in accordance with the present invention is now described. Thedevice 1000 illustratively includes a housing 1200, a keyboard 1400 andan output device 1600. The output device shown is a display 1600, whichis preferably a full graphic LCD. Other types of output devices mayalternatively be utilized. A processing device 1800 is contained withinthe housing 1200 and is coupled between the keyboard 1400 and thedisplay 1600. The processing device 1800 controls the operation of thedisplay 1600, as well as the overall operation of the mobile device1000, in response to actuation of keys on the keyboard 1400 by the user.

The housing 1200 may be elongated vertically, or may take on other sizesand shapes (including clamshell housing structures). The keyboard mayinclude a mode selection key, or other hardware or software forswitching between text entry and telephony entry.

In addition to the processing device 1800, other parts of the mobiledevice 1000 include a communications subsystem 1001; a short-rangecommunications subsystem 1020; the keyboard 1400 and the display 1600,along with other input/output devices 1060, 1080, 1100 and 1120; as wellas memory devices 1160, 1180 and various other device subsystems 1201.The mobile device 1000 is preferably a two-way RF communications devicehaving voice and data communications capabilities. In addition, themobile device 1000 preferably has the capability to communicate withother computer systems via the Internet.

Operating system software executed by the processing device 1800 ispreferably stored in a persistent store, such as the flash memory 1160,but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a read onlymemory (ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software,specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarilyloaded into a volatile store, such as the random access memory (RAM)1180. Communications signals received by the mobile device may also bestored in the RAM 1180.

The processing device 1800, in addition to its operating systemfunctions, enables execution of software applications 1300A-1300N on thedevice 1000. A predetermined set of applications that control basicdevice operations, such as data and voice communications 1300A and1300B, may be installed on the device 1000 during manufacture. Inaddition, a personal information manager (PIM) application may beinstalled during manufacture. The PIM is preferably capable oforganizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events,voice mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is alsopreferably capable of sending and receiving data items via a wirelessnetwork 1401. Preferably, the PIM data items are seamlessly integrated,synchronized and updated via the wireless network 1401 with the deviceuser's corresponding data items stored or associated with a hostcomputer system.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, areperformed through the communications subsystem 1001, and possiblythrough the short-range communications subsystem. The communicationssubsystem 1001 includes a receiver 1500, a transmitter 1520, and one ormore antennas 1540 and 1560. In addition, the communications subsystem1001 also includes a processing module, such as a digital signalprocessor (DSP) 1580, and local oscillators (LOs) 1601. The specificdesign and implementation of the communications subsystem 1001 isdependent upon the communications network in which the mobile device1000 is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device 1000 mayinclude a communications subsystem 1001 designed to operate with theMobitex™, Data TAC™ or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile datacommunications networks, and also designed to operate with any of avariety of voice communications networks, such as AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, PCS,GSM, etc. Other types of data and voice networks, both separate andintegrated, may also be utilized with the mobile device 1000.

Network access requirements vary depending upon the type ofcommunication system. For example, in the Mobitex and DataTAC networks,mobile devices are registered on the network using a unique personalidentification number or PIN associated with each device. In GPRSnetworks, however, network access is associated with a subscriber oruser of a device. A GPRS device therefore requires a subscriber identitymodule, commonly referred to as a SIM card, in order to operate on aGPRS network.

When required network registration or activation procedures have beencompleted, the mobile device 1000 may send and receive communicationssignals over the communication network 1401. Signals received from thecommunications network 1401 by the antenna 1540 are routed to thereceiver 1500, which provides for signal amplification, frequency downconversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provideanalog to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of thereceived signal allows the DSP 1580 to perform more complexcommunications functions, such as demodulation and decoding. In asimilar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network 1401 areprocessed (e.g. modulated and encoded) by the DSP 1580 and are thenprovided to the transmitter 1520 for digital to analog conversion,frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission tothe communication network 1401 (or networks) via the antenna 1560.

In addition to processing communications signals, the DSP 1580 providesfor control of the receiver 1500 and the transmitter 1520. For example,gains applied to communications signals in the receiver 1500 andtransmitter 1520 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in the DSP 1580.

In a data communications mode, a received signal, such as a text messageor web page download, is processed by the communications subsystem 1001and is input to the processing device 1800. The received signal is thenfurther processed by the processing device 1800 for an output to thedisplay 1600, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O device 1060.A device user may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages,using the keyboard 1400 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device 1060,such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or some other typeof input device. The composed data items may then be transmitted overthe communications network 1401 via the communications subsystem 1001.

In a voice communications mode, overall operation of the device issubstantially similar to the data communications mode, except thatreceived signals are output to a speaker 1100, and signals fortransmission are generated by a microphone 1120. Alternative voice oraudio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, mayalso be implemented on the device 1000. In addition, the display 1600may also be utilized in voice communications mode, for example todisplay the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call,or other voice call related information.

The short-range communications subsystem enables communication betweenthe mobile device 1000 and other proximate systems or devices, whichneed not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-rangecommunications subsystem may include an infrared device and associatedcircuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communications module toprovide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A mobile wireless communications devicecomprising: a wireless transceiver and a controller cooperatingtherewith and configured to receive text messages from a wirelesscommunications network, said controller configured to be switchablebetween a normal message mode and an audio message mode; a userinterface device connected to said controller and configured to receiveat least one audio mode filter parameter from a user; and a headsetoutput connected to said controller; said controller, when in the audiomessage mode, configured to select received text messages based upon theat least one audio mode filter parameter, and output audio messagescomprising speech generated from the selected text messages via saidheadset output; said controller configured to switch between the normalmessage mode and the audio message mode based upon a connection betweensaid headset output and a headset and an override mode setting, theoverride mode setting causing said controller to remain in the audiomessage mode.
 2. The mobile wireless communications device of claim 1wherein said headset output comprises a wireless headset outputconfigured to establish a wireless connection with a headset.
 3. Themobile wireless communications device of claim 1 wherein said headsetoutput comprises a headset jack for a wired headset.
 4. The mobilewireless communications device of claim 1 wherein said controller isconfigured to switch between the normal message mode and the audiomessage mode based upon an audio message mode command provided by a uservia said user interface device.
 5. The mobile wireless communicationsdevice of claim 1 further comprising a text-to-speech module forcooperating with said controller and configured to convert the selectedtext messages to the audio messages.
 6. The mobile wirelesscommunications device of claim 1 wherein the at least one audio messagefilter parameter comprises a sender identifier.
 7. The mobile wirelesscommunications device of claim 1 wherein the at least one audio messagefilter parameter comprises at least one keyword.
 8. The mobile wirelesscommunications device of claim 1 wherein said user interface devicecomprises a keypad connected to said controller.
 9. The mobile wirelesscommunications device of claim 1 further comprising a display connectedto said controller and configured to display the text messages.
 10. Themobile wireless communications device of claim 1 wherein said wirelesstransceiver comprises a cellular transceiver.
 11. A communicationssystem comprising: at least one mobile wireless communications devicecomprising a wireless transceiver and a controller cooperating therewithand configured to receive text messages, said controller configured tobe switchable between a normal message mode and an audio message mode, auser interface device connected to said controller and configured toreceive at least one audio mode filter parameter from a user, and aheadset output connected to said controller, said controller configuredto, when in the audio message mode, select received text messages basedupon the at least one audio mode filter parameter, and output audiomessages comprising speech generated from the selected text messages viasaid headset output said controller configured to switch between thenormal message mode and the audio message mode based upon a connectionbetween said headset output and a headset and an override mode setting,the override mode setting causing said controller to remain in the audiomessage mode; and a wireless communications network configured to sendthe text messages to said at least one mobile wireless communicationsdevice.
 12. The communications system of claim 11 wherein said headsetoutput comprises a wireless headset output configured to establish awireless connection with the headset.
 13. The communications system ofclaim 11 wherein said controller is configured to switch between thenormal message mode and the audio message mode based upon an audiomessage mode command provided by a user via said user interface device.14. The communications system of claim 11 wherein said at least onewireless communications device further comprises a text-to-speech modulefor cooperating with said controller and configured to convert theselected text messages to the audio messages.
 15. The communicationssystem of claim 11 wherein said controller is also configured togenerate conversion requests for the selected text messages andcooperate with the wireless transceiver to forward the conversionrequests to said wireless communications network; wherein said wirelesscommunications network is configured to receive the conversion requestsand further comprises a text-to-speech module configured to convert theselected text messages to audio messages based upon the conversionrequests; and wherein said wireless communications network is configuredto send the audio messages to said at least one wireless communicationsdevice.
 16. The communications system of claim 11 wherein the at leastone audio message filter parameter comprises at least one of a senderidentifier and a keyword.
 17. A method for using a mobile wirelesscommunications device comprising a user interface device and a headsetoutput, the mobile wireless communications device being switchablebetween a normal message mode and an audio message mode, the methodcomprising: receiving text messages from a wireless communicationsnetwork, and receiving at least one audio mode filter parameter from auser via the user interface device; switching the mobile wirelesscommunications device between the normal message mode and the audiomessage mode based upon a connection between the headset output and aheadset and an override mode setting, the override mode setting causingthe mobile wireless communications device to remain in the audio messagemode; and when in the audio message mode, selecting received textmessages based upon the at least one audio mode filter parameter, andoutputting audio messages comprising speech generated from the selectedtext messages via the headset output.
 18. The method of claim 17 whereinthe headset output comprises a wireless headset output for establishinga wireless connection with the headset.
 19. The method of claim 17further comprising switching between the normal message mode and theaudio message mode based upon an audio message mode command provided bya user via the user interface device.
 20. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising converting the selected text messages to the audio messagesat the mobile wireless communications device prior to outputting.
 21. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium for use with a mobile wirelesscommunications device comprising a user interface device and a headsetoutput, the mobile wireless communications device being switchablebetween a normal message mode and an audio message mode, thecomputer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions forcausing the mobile wireless communications device to perform stepscomprising: receiving text messages from a wireless communicationsnetwork, and receiving at least one audio mode filter parameter from auser via the user interface device; switching between the normal messagemode and the audio message mode based upon a connection between theheadset output and a headset and an override mode setting, the overridemode setting causing the mobile wireless communications device to remainin the audio message mode; and when in the audio message mode, selectingreceived text messages based upon the at least one audio mode filterparameter, and outputting audio messages comprising speech generatedfrom the selected text messages via said headset output.
 22. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21 wherein the headsetoutput comprises a wireless headset output for establishing a wirelessconnection with the headset.
 23. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 21 further comprising computer-executable instructionsfor causing the mobile wireless communications device to perform a stepof switching between the normal message mode and the audio message modebased upon an audio message mode command provided by a user via the userinterface device.
 24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 21 further comprising computer-executable instructions for causingthe mobile wireless communications device to perform a step ofconverting the selected text messages to the audio messages prior tooutputting.
 25. A mobile wireless communications device comprising: awireless transceiver and a controller cooperating therewith andconfigured to receive text messages from a wireless communicationsnetwork, said controller configured to be switchable between a normalmessage mode and an audio message mode; a user interface deviceconnected to said controller and configured to receive at least oneaudio mode filter parameter from a user; and an audio output connectedto said controller; said controller configured to, when in the audiomessage mode, select received text messages based upon the at least oneaudio mode filter parameter, and output audio messages comprising speechgenerated from the selected text messages via said audio output; saidcontroller configured to switch between the normal message mode and theaudio message mode based upon a connection between said audio output andan audio device and an override mode setting, the override mode settingcausing said controller to remain in the audio message mode.
 26. Themobile wireless communications device of claim 25 wherein the audiodevice comprises a wired headset, and wherein said audio outputcomprises a headset jack.
 27. The mobile wireless communications deviceof claim 25 wherein the audio device comprises a wireless headset, andwherein said audio output comprises a wireless headset output configuredto establish a wireless connection with the wireless headset.
 28. Themobile wireless communications device of claim 25 wherein saidcontroller is configured to switch between the normal message mode andthe audio message mode based upon an audio message mode command providedby a user via said user interface device.
 29. The mobile wirelesscommunications device of claim 25 wherein the at least one audio messagefilter parameter comprises at least one of a sender identifier and atleast one keyword.
 30. A method for using a mobile wirelesscommunications device comprising a user interface device and an audiooutput, the mobile wireless communications device being switchablebetween a normal message mode and an audio message mode, the methodcomprising: receiving text messages from a wireless communicationsnetwork, and receiving at least one audio mode filter parameter from auser via the user interface device; switching the mobile wirelesscommunications device between the normal message mode and the audiomessage mode based upon a connection between the audio output and anaudio device and an override mode setting, the override mode settingcausing the mobile wireless communications device to remain in the audiomessage mode; and when in the audio message mode, selecting receivedtext messages based upon the at least one audio mode filter parameter,and outputting audio messages comprising speech generated from theselected text messages via the audio output.
 31. The method of claim 30wherein the audio device comprises a wired headset, and wherein theaudio output comprises a headset jack.
 32. The method of claim 30wherein the audio device comprises a wireless headset, and wherein theaudio output comprises a wireless headset output for establishing awireless connection with the wireless headset.
 33. The method of claim30 wherein switching further comprises switching between the normalmessage mode and the audio message mode based upon an audio message modecommand provided by a user via the user interface device.
 34. The methodof claim 30 wherein the at least one audio message filter parametercomprises at least one of a sender identifier and at least one keyword.